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Information made available on this website in any form is for information purposes only. It is not, and should not be taken as advice. You should not rely on, or take or fail to take any action based upon this information. Please do not disregard professional advice or delay in seeking advice because of something you have read on this website. Astons professionals will be pleased to discuss any specific questions you have.

The ‘Heart of Europe’ may be your best pathway to the exclusive EU Plan B. The Hungarian Residency by Investment Program is the most affordable European Golden Visa, and it targets real estate investments into one of Europe’s most promising and growing property markets – Budapest.

** Hungary has currently suspended their residency program as they are set to launch an updated Golden Visa in mid-2024 **
** Interested in Hungarian residency? – Schedule a Free Consultation to ensure you’ll be top of list for the updated program **

One of Europe’s oldest countries, Hungary is elemental to European culture, lifestyle, and luxury. A country famous for its thermal springs and the world’s first official wine region, the capital, Budapest, has been hailed as the “Heart of Europe” for centuries.

Today, Budapest as become one of Europe’s most dynamic real estate markets and most sought-after expat and digital nomad destinations in the EU – and due to the low investment threshold, Hungary is among the very few Golden Visas that global digital nomads could leverage.

Hungary provides entrepreneurs, investors, families, and even digital nomads EU freedom of movement with no physical residency requirement – along wih one of the EU’s most favorable tax regimes. And Hungary’s Golden Visa is risk-free – the investment is only made after approval. All of Astons’ European offices and experts are available to answer any questions, such as:

  • Does the Hungarian residency by investment program provide ETIAS exemption?
  • Will the new Golden Visa require real estate investment?
  • When will Hungary launch its new Golden Visa?

For the Hungary Golden Visa, it is best to begin with our Free Confidential and Comprehensive Consultation, and Astons’ experts will analyze how your specific wants, needs, goals, and demands align with the program and provide you with the best solutions.

Trust Astons – a better life awaits.

Program Benefits

Route to EU Status

Permanent residency possible after 3 years and citizenship after 8 years

Freedom of Movement

Residency comes with access to the EU’s coveted Schengen Zone

For the Entire Family

Include spouse, unmarried children, and parents on same application

No Physical Residency

Successful investors must maintain property and address, but no physical residency is required

Right to Extend

The initial residency permit is for 5 years and residency is easily renewed

Streamlined Process

No language, residency, or knowledge requirements

No Gov’t Donations

Real estate investment is the only option - no government donations or contributions

European Tax Haven

Hidden EU secret, Corp tax of 9% & Income tax of 15%

EU Plan B

Lifestyle and financial security with EU economic and political stability
Program Requirements

The Hungarian residency program involves the following criteria:

  • Due Diligence: Hungary, as most [but not all] EU programs requires a criminal background check for all applicants 18 and older, as well as identity documentation [passports, birth certificates, etc.], but source of funds is not required if the investment is sent from an accredited bank or financial institution.
  • Health: The Hungary RBI does not require a health screening nor health insurance
  • Investment Threshold: The current Hungarian Golden Visa has a required minimum investment of €155,000 [approx. $170,000].
  • Investment Options: The current Hungarian Golden Visa program is real estate based, and though it applies to any type of residential property, the only eligible region is the city of Budapest. The updated Golden Visa will have additional options.
  • Investment Hold: Under the current Hungarian residency by investment program, ownership of the property and a physical Budapest address must be maintained in order to renew residency.
  • Physical Presence: The current Hungary Golden Visa program does not require relocating or residing for any length of time in the country. However, the current program required a single visit to Budapest by the main investor to finalize the application and real estate transaction process.
  • Investment Approval: The investor must receive government approval as part of the real estate process – this is simply a formality and Astons’ lawyers conduct this process and acquire all the necessary approvals on behalf of our clients
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    Freedom of Movement throughout the European Union

    With legal residency in Hungary comes the right to travel throughout most of Europe, including the 26 remaining EU countries, the Schengen Zone, Monaco, and Andorra.

    Which is right for me?
    Investment Requirements

    Real Estate Investment in Budapest

    • Property must be located in the capital city of Budapest
    • Property must have a value of at least €155,000 [approx. $170,000 USD]
    • All residential properties are eligible – new construction or existing inventory
    • Investor must secure prior approval from the Land Committee*
    • Investor must pass Due Diligence and Income checks – must establish annual income of at least €75,000 for a family of 4
    • Investor must make a 10% deposit on the chosen property
    • Within 90 days of receiving final approval, remaining property price and all program fees must be paid in full

    *Astons handles all aspects of Land Committee approval, residency application, and the real estate process

    Additional Program Fees*

    • Sales tax – 4%
    • Stamp duty – €135
    • Other expenses – €200
    • Budapest legal fees for property transaction – from 0.4 to 1%
    • State immigration fees for residency process – €30,000

     

    *Astons Legal Support is in addition to program fees

    Important Program Notes

    • Full cash option only – no mortgages 
    • Property cannot be used for rental income
    • Property ownership and valid physical address must be maintained for residency. Original property may be sold for another property of equal or greater value

    Eligible Family Members

    The following can be included on one application:

    • Investor – main applicant
    • Spouse
    • Financially dependent and unmarried children – no age restrictions
    • Parents of main applicant or spouse

    Astons Step-by-Step Guide for a Category D Hungarian Residency Permit

    3 days
    Preparation
    1

    Free Consultation with Astons' Experts

    An expert from Astons will assess the Hungary Program with you to ensure that it addresses all of your needs, wants, and demands. 

    If so, Astons will conduct our exclusive in-house pre-approval assessment and KYC/Due Diligence analysis to determine your likelihood of being approved.

    Our expert will also prepare a portfolio of property listings for your review based upon your property search checklist.

    2

    Signing contract and paying for legal fees

    Once you sign the contract and legal fees are paid, Astons will begin assisting you in document collection and ensuring your documents meet application requirements.

    1 month
    Obtaining a visa
    3

    Applying for initial temporary visa

    At this stage, the investor applies for the temporary Category D visa which permits them to conduct the Golden Visa process.

    The state will conduct its official due diligence and background checks as a part of the immigration process.

    The application process is conducted fully remote through the investor’s nearest Hungarian consulate or embassy.

    4

    Obtaining the residency visa

    Once the visa process is approved, the investor is required to visit Budapest to submit biometric data and receive the residency card in-person.

     

    The initial residency is valid for 12-months and permits a single entry into Hungary to finalize the Golden Visa and property purchase.

    1 - 3 months
    Purchase of real estate
    5

    Real estate selection begins

    The investor now needs to identify which property they would like to purchase and provide the required 10% down payment to secure the property

    6

    Final application approval received

    Once final approval is received, full payment of remaining program fees and property costs must be made within 90 days – certificate of ownership is conveyed with payment

    7

    Hungary residency permit

    Once the real estate transaction is finalized, Hungary automatically changes the category D visa to a long-term 5 year residency card – renewable with maintained property ownership and valid Budapest address

    Frequently Asked Questions
    What is life like in Hungary?

    Hungarian life offers a delightful mixture of modern and traditional living. The country is wealthy but maintains its ancient architecture, customs, and cuisine, giving it a distinct character from the US or UK. Scattered throughout the country are medieval castles, quaint villages, churches, and museums chronicling its history. It also has stunning countryside with rolling hills and thermal springs.

    What’s the minimum investment for residency?
    When will Hungary launch its new Golden Visa?
    Does the Hungarian residency by investment program provide ETIAS exemption?
    Can Hungarian residency become citizenship?
    Will the new Golden Visa require real estate investment?
    Do I need to visit or reside in Hungary?
    Are you a licensed agent?

    Why Our Clients Choose Us

    Trust Astons

    33 years of industry leadership and dominance - ASTONS is one of the original firms that molded the investment immigration industry. Founded in London in 1989, Astons has evolved into a family of global companies now headquartered in Dubai.

    Communicate on your terms

    Astons personally serves clients via our global footprint with offices in Istanbul (Turkey), Limassol (Cyprus), Dubai (UAE),Athens (Greece), Fort Lauderdale (USA) and Saint Julians (Malta). As well as, via text message, WhatsApp, Telegram, or email.

    Globally licensed firm

    ASTONS maintains licensed partnerships with the official govermental agencies operating the CBI and RBI programs. ASTONS operates in strict accordance with the laws and regulations of every country where we do business - cooperating with local regulators and government officials. Ensuring no risks for you, your reputation or brand, and your investment.

    Earned reputation

    ASTONS, on average, helps nearly 300 clients a year. With historical totals of:
    More than 9,000 clients
    A clientele from over 50%+ of the world’s nationalities
    $2.6 Billion+ USD in immigration and real estate investments

    100% success rate

    100% of clients who pass the Astons’ due diligence review have their applications approved. The Astons due diligence team of seasoned UK lawyers and industry experts advance our clients’ interests by maintaining direct and constant contact with government officials - leveraging our experience, expertise and methodology of the British law school to conclude the immigration process in our client’s benefit.

    Client focused Service

    ASTONS offers only the best the world of investment immigration and luxury real estate has to offer. We expertly select citizenship and residence programs that can deliver solutions to virtually any client. As well as premium real estate in 11 countries to appease the most discerning buyer or investor. Our experts find the most advantageous solutions to address every client’s wants, needs, and demands.

    Internationally relied upon experts

    ASTONS experts are regularly relied upon by global media outlets and publications to provide expert insights and comments for investment immigration; including: Bloomberg, The Times, CNN, The Telegraph, El Tiempo, El Pais, El Economista, MSN UK, SchengenVisainfo and many others.

    World leader in immigration services

    ASTONS didn’t create the world of immigration investment, we perfected it for the benefit of investors. Astons consistently ranks as a TOP-25 firm in the international immigration industry by Uglobal Immigration Magazine, Best European Citizenship Advisor 2018, and Best Full-Service Investment Immigration Firm 2019.

    Testimonials

    Schedule A Free Consultation

    Connect with Astons via our website, email, WhatsApp, or Telegram, to schedule a consultation. Together we’ll find the perfect residency by investment program for you and your family. In the consultation, we will:

    • Define and understand your wants, needs, goals, and demands
    • Create a list of the best strategies and solutions for you
    • Discuss and explain the various investment options available

    Susanna Uzakova

    Citizenship, residence permit and real estate investment expert
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